Nightingale Village
Nightingale Village
Nightingale Village is an innovative medium-density residential precinct that redefines urban development by prioritising social, financial, and environmental sustainability. This collection of six interconnected buildings in Brunswick was designed by a consortium of award-winning architectural firms—Clare Cousins Architects, Austin Maynard Architects, Kennedy Nolan, Breathe Architecture, Hayball, and Architecture Architecture—each contributing distinct design principles while maintaining a cohesive vision for sustainable living.
Fontic were engaged as both development and project manager for the entire precinct, overseeing the project feasibility, purchase and coordination of six architectural designs, six independent development entities, and a complex consultant network comprising 25 firms. Managing this level of complexity required a highly structured procurement and delivery strategy to ensure design integrity, regulatory compliance, and construction efficiency across all buildings.
A key aspect of Fontic’s role was facilitating shared infrastructure and centralised services, optimising sustainability performance and operational efficiency. With multiple projects requiring integration, we oversaw the implementation of energy-efficient systems, including passive design strategies, thermally broken window suites, high-performance glazing, and advanced ventilation technology, such as energy recovery ventilators. These initiatives contributed to the precinct's status as Australia’s first carbon-neutral medium-density development, with ParkLife achieving a market-leading 9.1-star NatHERS rating.
From a social impact perspective, Fontic played a critical role in the delivery of affordable and community housing allocations, ensuring 27 homes across multiple buildings were reserved for community housing providers, such as Housing Choices Australia. We worked closely with key stakeholders to prioritise housing for service workers, individuals with disabilities, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, aligning with Nightingale’s commitment to inclusivity and long-term community stability.
The logistical complexity of delivering six buildings concurrently required precision in scheduling, cost control, and risk mitigation. We navigated site constraints, stakeholder coordination, and adaptive design strategies, balancing the need for high-quality, cost-effective outcomes with the broader vision of Nightingale Housing.
Nightingale Village is not just a collection of sustainable residences; it represents a new paradigm in ethical urban development. By implementing a collaborative, highly coordinated approach, Fontic ensured that this ambitious project met its sustainability, social equity, and urban design goals without compromising efficiency or quality. Through meticulous project governance, stakeholder engagement, and technical execution, we have helped create a blueprint for future housing developments that place people and the environment at the forefront.
CLIENT: Duckett Acquisition Collective, Housing Choices Australia, Women's Property Initiative
ROLE: Development & Project Manager
ARCHITECT: Breathe Architecture, Clare Cousins, Hayball, Austin Maynard Architects, Architecture Architecture, Kennedy Nolan
AWARDS:
2024 UIA 2030 Award — Category 2: Adequate, safe and affordable housing
2024 World Architecture Festival — Completed Buildings – Housing (Category Winner)
2024 National Apartment Awards for Excellence — Precinct Rejuvenation and Civic Contribution
2024 National Apartment Awards for Excellence — Innovation and Technology
2024 WILD Design Awards — Multi Residential - Constructed (Silver)
2024 WILD Design Awards — Environmental Sustainability (Silver)
2024 ArchitectureAU Award for Social Impact — (Shortlisted)
2024 Australian Design Awards — Better Future, Environmental Sustainability (Gold)
2024 Australian Design Awards — Architecture, Multi Residential (Silver)
2023 Victorian Premier’s Design Awards — Highly Commended (Architectural Design)
2023 Dezeen Awards — Sustainable Building of the Year and Housing Project of the Year
2023 Premier’s Sustainability Awards — Sustainable Places - Industry Leader Award
2023 Sustainability Awards — Multi-Residential Dwelling High Commendation
2023 National Architecture Awards — Commendation for Urban Design
2023 National Architecture Awards — David Oppenheim Award for Sustainable Architecture
2023 National Architecture Awards — Frederick Romberg Award for Residential Architecture –
Multiple Housing2023 Design Anthology Awards — Sustainability
2023 ULI Awards for Excellence — Global winner
2023 Frame Awards — Winner of the Year - Co-Living Complex
2023 Good Design Awards — Architectural Design : Gold Winner
2023 Good Design Awards — Architectural Design: Best in Class
2023 The Urban Developer Awards — Design Innovation
2023 The Urban Developer Awards — Decarbonisation in Real Estate
2023 The Urban Developer Awards for Excellence — Sustainability
2023 INDE Awards — Best of the Best Award
2023 INDE Awards — The Influencer (shortlisted)
2023 INDE Awards — The Multi Residential Building Award
2023 Melbourne Design Awards — Better Future, Environmental Sustainability (Gold)
2023 Melbourne Design Awards — Architecture, Multi Residential (Silver)
2023 Victorian Architecture Awards — Urban Design Award
2023 Victorian Architecture Awards — Multiple Housing Award
2023 Victorian Architecture Awards — The Allan and Beth Coldicutt Awards for Sustainability
2023 Victorian Architecture Awards — The Dimity Reed Melbourne Prize
